Natalie Proud: Covenant House Pennsylvania’s Champion for Trafficking Survivors 

Natalie Proud has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable youth, particularly those who have survived human trafficking. As the program director at Covenant House Pennsylvania, she oversees efforts to assist young survivors of trafficking, offering them a safe space and the opportunity for a new start. Through her work, Natalie has gained deep insights into the complex realities of trafficking and homelessness, and she is a passionate advocate for those caught in these circumstances.  

Understanding the Realities of Human Trafficking  

Traffickers prey on individuals facing multiple vulnerabilities, such as a history of foster care, addiction, intellectual disabilities, or lack of documentation. These factors compound the risk, making it easier for traffickers to exploit young people. Specifically, populations such as Black women, Black men, and transgender youth are disproportionately targeted. Natalie highlights that Black women and girls make up a significant portion of trafficking victims, with reports suggesting that 40% of all sex trafficking survivors in the U.S. are Black.  

The trauma that comes with trafficking often makes it difficult for victims to seek help, as they may fear not being believed or judged. This is where Covenant House’s unwavering commitment to unconditional love and respect becomes vital.  

Covenant House’s Role in Supporting Survivors  

Natalie is proud of Covenant House’s commitment to and support of trafficking survivors, no matter their circumstances. One of our key principles is that no one is ever turned away, and survivors are always welcomed back if they need to leave our care and then return. This flexibility is crucial for trafficking survivors, who often leave their traffickers only to return multiple times before they are ready to leave them for good.  

Another core value at Covenant House is the notion of absolute respect for everyone, particularly trafficking survivors who may feel immense shame about their experiences. Natalie emphasizes that Covenant House does not judge survivors for returning to their traffickers, recognizing that leaving them for good is a complicated and gradual process.  

A Story of Resilience and Recovery  

In Natalie’s time working at Covenant House Pennsylvania, she has witnessed many stories of resilience and recovery, often highlighting the incredible strength of young people overcoming unimaginable challenges. She shared one such story about a young woman who arrived at Covenant House after being trafficked by her father and arrested in Egypt. As an American citizen, she was sent back to the United States, where the FBI met her at the airport and brought her to Covenant House. She was just 17 years old.  

This young woman faced numerous barriers — she had no documentation, such as a birth certificate, and was starting her life over. Covenant House helped her acquire the necessary documents, and she eventually secured a job at a Muslim daycare center near the shelter. The daycare owner took a chance on her, and she thrived. Her success led her to apply to and be accepted into Covenant House's Rights of Passage (ROP) program, where she continued to grow and build stability.  

A Turn of Events and a Rescue Mission  

After leaving the program, she secured long-term subsidized housing but stayed connected to Natalie. One day, while waiting for a bus, she accepted a ride home from a man who seemed kind. They began dating, but months later, the situation took a dark turn.  

On a Friday night, Natalie felt an inexplicable urge to check her work phone, even though she wasn’t on duty. She found a message from an unknown number that said, "Call the police." The text came from the young woman, who explained she had been taken to a fancy hotel in New Jersey under the pretense of attending a party. Once there, she was locked in a room and forced into trafficking.  

Natalie immediately contacted the police, who coordinated with her to gather crucial details. Hours later, a raid successfully rescued the young woman and others.  

Building a New Life  

The young woman returned to Covenant House but was relocated for safety. Over time, she rebuilt her life, gave birth to a child, and moved into our housing for young families.  

Years later, Natalie received a call from the FBI about the trafficker. The FBI needed Natalie’s testimony and the text messages from that night. She happily obliged. The trafficker was convicted and is now awaiting sentencing.  

Today, the young woman is thriving. She lives in another city, works for the federal government, and continues to raise her child in a safe, stable environment.  

Advocacy and Persistence  

Despite the challenges faced by trafficking survivors, Natalie finds inspiration in their resilience. She feels privileged to use her voice and position to advocate for those who are often unheard or ignored by society. Through her tireless advocacy and leadership, Natalie Proud continues to make a profound difference in the lives of trafficking survivors, providing them with the support and opportunities they need to heal and move forward into brighter futures. 

Dig Deeper: Resources and Actions 

To further explore the topic of human trafficking and how you can help support young survivors, consider the following resources and ways you can get involved: 

Educational Resources: 

• Learn more about the intersection of youth homelessness and trafficking. 
• Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of trafficking and how to identify young people in need of help. 
• Learn the truth by exploring common myths and facts about human trafficking 

Get Involved: 

• Advocate for policies that address systemic factors contributing to homelessness and trafficking. Send a message to congress today.   
• Support programs and shelters that provide safe spaces for young survivors. Donate today. 
• Raise awareness and inspire action within your community. Read and share survivor stories. 

Taking steps to educate yourself and providing support to impactful initiatives can help make a meaningful difference in the fight against human trafficking.